Prince:Applying for a Research Position

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Undergraduates

Undergraduates have the distinct opportunity to participate in meaningful research at BYU, and it can be wonderful or painful depending on how good a fit you are for the research position.

How to go about securing a research position:

Learn about some professors and their research

Ask some students in the lab what they work on.

Read the professor's web site.

Read/skim some papers from the lab.

Does the lab have good funding (if you are very interested in paid positions)?

Does this topic area interest me?

Are these the kinds of skills I'd like to develop?

Perhaps talk directly with the professor about their research.

Make your case to the professor (in writing and in person) that you would like to join the lab

What skills do I have or am I developing? [If you have substantial skills, you can probably get a paid position from the beginning] How will these benefit the lab? Do I have a unique skill or perspective?

How much do I know about this professor's research? Why do I want to work for them?

Am I willing to volunteer for a time until I gain some skills?

How motivated am I?

How will this research help me achieve my long-term goals?

Can I do research for class credit?

Is there a project I'm already interested in? Can I get funding for it? (ORCA, Undergraduate Research Awards)